Tech-related jobs are a priority in Europe

There is a high demand for tech talent in various sectors of the European market. Job growth is vigorous and has surpassed pre-pandemic levels.

Skilled non-EU citizens can definitely find opportunities in European tech. Visa processes and regulations can be complex, but a talent shortage in areas such as data science, cybersecurity, and cloud computing creates fast-tracked pathways for qualified individuals. 

Most countries such as Germany, Netherlands, and Ireland have also implemented programs specifically to attract international tech talent. Okay — let’s see which opportunities are out there for devs and IT workers in Europe.

 

Data-Driven Developer Resume to Get Interviews →

 

Software development and engineering

• Senior Software Architect: You’ll design and develop software solutions for various organisations. Even as a non-EU citizen, being a Senior Software Architect in Europe offers exciting prospects: high demand, competitive pay and diverse environments.

Avg. salary: £102,763 | €81,500 | Jobs →

 

• Software Engineering Manager: It’s the backbone of software development, guiding teams to deliver high-quality products on time and within budget. This role demands a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and people management skills that are both challenging and rewarding (and not just from a cash perspective).

Avg. salary: £91,706 | €96,000 | Jobs →

 

• Mobile App Developer: It consists of creating and maintaining software applications for smartphones and tablets. The mobile app industry is growing fast, creating many job opportunities and offering competitive salaries.

Avg. salary: £34,779 | €58,500 | Jobs →

 

• Full-Stack Developer: As a Full-Stack Dev, your role includes both front-end and back-end coding, allowing you to work on all aspects of web application development. This includes creating user interfaces, implementing server-side logic and working on integrations. Full-stack skills are highly sought-after.

Avg. salary: £47,916 | €60,000 | Jobs →

 

• Frontend Developer: A frontend dev is responsible for translating design mock-ups into functional and visually appealing interfaces for users to interact with. They use programming languages like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to frame user experiences.

Avg. salary: £43,433 | €55,000 | Jobs →

 

• DevOps Engineer: DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between development and operations for software delivery. They possess both technical expertise and operational understanding, automating processes, deploying applications and monitoring performance.

Avg. salary: £48,474 | €65,800 | Jobs →

 

How to Find Unadvertised (Developer) Jobs →

 

Data and AI

• Data Scientist: The job involves working with large datasets, employing statistical techniques and using machine learning algorithms to uncover patterns, trends, and correlations. European data science offers promising prospects for skilled individuals, regardless of nationality. Demand is high, with competitive salaries and worthwhile work across industries.

Avg. salary: £47,930 | €70,172 | Jobs →

 

• Machine Learning Engineer: MLEs are responsible for designing intelligent systems that use data and algorithms to solve complex problems in various fields. This role requires technical expertise and creative problem-solving skills.

Avg. salary: £64,986 | €65,000 | Jobs →

 

• Big Data Engineer: They handle the ever-growing data supply, building and maintaining infrastructure to extract valuable insights. The work involves technical complexities in distributed systems and data processing, problem-solving, and collaboration.

Avg. salary: £46,324 | €70,000

 

• AI Engineer: Being an AI Engineer involves developing and implementing artificial intelligence solutions to solve complex problems. As an AI Engineer, you would work with machine learning algorithms, deep learning models and other AI techniques to create intelligent systems that can analyse data, learn from it and make informed decisions.

Avg. salary: £56,242 | €70,000

 

• Database Administrator: The primary responsibility of a database administrator generally focuses on the technical aspects of maintaining and securing databases, ensuring performance and uptime. Most database administration tools and procedures fall under the umbrella of IT infrastructure management.

Avg. salary: £46,713 | €59,000

 

Cloud and infrastructure

• Cloud Architect: Being a Cloud Architect involves designing, implementing and managing cloud-based solutions for organisations. Europe faces a significant shortage of skilled cloud professionals, and the skills required for cloud architects are in high demand across various industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Even cloud vendors might request your help.

Avg. salary: £84,577 | €78,822

 

• Information Systems Security Engineer: ISSEs protect digital assets and systems from online threats. With technical expertise and strategic thinking, they build a stable security architecture, detect and respond to intrusions and ensure compliance with regulations. This role is typically featured on “there’s a shortage of” lists. Still, the stakes are very high, so it’s only for ice-cold professionals.

Avg. salary: £61,727 | €60,259 | Jobs →

 

Emerging technologies

• Internet of Things (IoT) Solution Architect: As an IoT Solution Architect, your role would involve designing and implementing IoT solutions. Governments with budgets for “innovation” or “city tech,” for example, could hire you to make traffic lights connected to the internet.

Avg. salary: £76,935 | €80,000

 

• Blockchain Engineer: As a Blockchain Engineer, you would work on developing and implementing blockchain solutions for various industries and applications. Of all the roles outlined in this article, this is definitely the most unstable — but the rewards could be worth it.

Avg. salary: £59,154 | €79,000

 

The Art of Relocating Tech Talent Post-Pandemic →

 

Non-technology roles

The European job market also provides various opportunities for skilled non-EU citizens in non-tech roles. However, thorough research is key. While Product Management and International Sales benefit from multilingual skills, Management Consulting and Investment Banking face stiffer competition. These are some highest-paying jobs for non-EU citizens:

 

Business and management

• Product Manager: Product Managers act as the user’s voice, leading the development and growth of digital products. They bridge the gap between business goals, user needs, and technical feasibility. Someone with a track record working as a product manager in any country will be considered for this role.

Avg. salary: £60,458 | €65,000 | Jobs →

 

• Management Consultant: Management Consultants act as strategic advisors, helping organisations improve their performance. Consulting firms are typically very, very global, even if their HQs are in the United States, so this job is likely to accept non-EU citizens, provided paperwork is sorted out first. The salaries here are lowballed toward beginners. Consulting partners take home considerably bigger cuts.

Avg. salary: £50,000 | €62,779

 

• Investment Banker: Investment Bankers act as financial matchmakers. They must operate in a high-pressure environment driven by deal-making and trading short-term. Cities such as London, Geneva, Frankfurt, Zurich, and Luxembourg are deemed financial capitals, and investment bankers with careers in other big markets, such as Hong Kong or Mumbai, could certainly land a job in Europe with good pay. The salaries we show here might be a starting point…

Avg. salary: £64,500 | €79,000

 

Sales and marketing

• International Sales Manager: The European sales market has a growing demand for multilingual professionals with cultural understanding. Companies are increasingly looking to expand their reach into new markets, and international sales managers can make it happen. If you coincidentally have sales experience in the territory the company wants to expand in, then you’ve hit the jackpot, since you could easily win a race against a European candidate. Remember that sales roles are typically compensated with variable pay.

Avg. salary: £48,814 | €59,726

 

Mechanical engineering

•  Aeronautical Engineer: As an Aeronautical Engineer, you would design, develop and maintain aircraft and spacecraft. Your role would include various engineering aspects, including aerodynamics, materials science, propulsion systems and structural design. These are the same tasks you’d have to handle anywhere in the world. But the Benelux region is known for its aviation and aeronautics sector, which means there’s a considerable job market there.

Avg. salary: £41,000 | €62,500

Some of the best and cheapest countries to live in Europe

We’ll now guide you through some of the continent’s most cost-effective destinations to help you gauge the affordability of each location. 

 

1. Croatia

Croatia’s quickly becoming a go-to spot for expats who want to live in a country with an interesting cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, and a laid-back style of living. In cities like Zagreb and Split, you won’t have a problem getting by with English, which makes it easier to find a place to live, build connections, and settle in. Croatia’s healthcare system is known for being both high-quality and accessible, which is great news for families thinking about moving there. Such a reliable healthcare setup is comforting for anyone relocating, and the option to choose international health insurance plans adds an extra layer of security and choice. 

Plus, being smack in the middle of Europe means weekend getaways to other countries are easy. For example, a Flight from Zagreb to Paris will only set you back around €50, and takes only 2 hours. Now, let’s talk numbers, since that’s where Croatia really shines:

• Rent in the city centre: You’re looking at about €550 a month.
• A meal out: About €10 will get you a decent feed.
• Coffee fix: Just €2.

When you stack these costs up against other European cities, Croatia’s value is crystal clear. Renting a spot in Zagreb (€670) is way cheaper than shelling out €2,500 for a place in London or even €1,400 in Paris. And, with a cost of living index sitting at 31.5, Croatia is way more wallet-friendly compared to places like Switzerland at 84.0, Ireland at 57.4, or even the Netherlands at 50.2. Croatia is also a practical option for people aiming for a better lifestyle in Europe. Its high appeal is evident, with Croatia having the second-highest emigration rate in the EU.

Living in Croatia, especially for remote workers, offers a blend of economic and lifestyle benefits that are hard to ignore. With the Croatian Digital Nomad visa, remote workers who are employed by companies outside Croatia enjoy an exemption from paying income tax for a year. And, the warmer climate, proximity to beautiful beaches, and the affordability of life here add to its allure. On average, life in Zagreb is about 40% cheaper than in London, excluding rent, which means significant savings for expats. This cost advantage, combined with a median annual salary for remote software developers of around €48,000, allows for a great quality of life.

 

2. Estonia

Estonia is on the map as a prime destination for expats craving a mix of innovation and history, without the financial pinch often felt in Western Europe. Its capital, Tallinn, meshes cobblestone charm with a digital-forward attitude, and is the centre of an emerging food scene. English is widely spoken, especially in tech circles, smoothing the transition for newcomers. Plus, Estonia’s compact size means you’re never too far from either a digital hub or a tranquil forest retreat.

Now, let’s dive into the specifics that make Estonia so appealing:

• City-center rent: Expect to pay around €600 for a cozy spot.
• Dining out: A hearty meal in a local eatery will set you back about €11.
• Your morning coffee: Only €3 to kick-start your day.

When comparing Estonia’s living conditions to other destinations, the contrast becomes clear. For example, living in Tallinn comes with significantly lower expenses than in Helsinki (€975) or Paris (€1,400), where rents are approximately 16.56% and 67.71% higher, respectively. Moreover, while the average salary for software developers in Estonia may seem modest at around €27,000 — considerably lower than Germany’s €52,000 — the cost of living remains low, with estimated monthly costs for a single person at €840 without rent. This means that if you are a remote worker earning a Western European salary in Estonia, you can live comfortably due to the lower cost of living.

Moreover, due to its advanced digital infrastructure and straightforward visa processes, such as the Estonia Digital Nomad Visa and the E-Residency program, getting into the country and starting a business is pretty straightforward. And, its reputation as the birthplace of Skype highlights its status as one of Europe’s most digitally forward nations. The capital, Tallinn, and Tartu, are at the heart of a growing expat community, thanks to initiatives like the Settle in Estonia programme, which offers free adaptation and language courses for newcomers and their families. 

 

Find IT jobs in Estonia →

 

3. Spain

Spain really has it all — gorgeous beaches, lively festivals, and that famous laid-back lifestyle. Here, life is about enjoying the moment, whether that’s savouring a plate of paella, tapping along to flamenco music, or soaking in the mix of old and new in cities packed with history. Spain isn’t just about the big cities, either. It’s got tranquil villages and stunning coastlines that offer something for everyone, blending the old-world charm with a splash of modern life.

You can lead a comfortable life across Spain without facing the high costs common in other parts of Western Europe, which is why it is also a top holiday destination for Western Europeans and UK residents.

Let’s break down what makes Spain so wallet-friendly:

• Average rent in city centres: Around €930.
• Grabbing a meal: About €12 can get you a great meal at a restaurant.
• Coffee time: Just €2 for your coffee fix.

Choosing Spain as your home means you’ll be able to afford a great lifestyle. As a comparison, the combined monthly costs for a single person, including living expenses and rent, tally up to €2,300 in the Netherlands. However, Spain offers a much lighter financial load with a total of €1,630 per month for similar expenses. This means living in Spain is about 29.3% cheaper and you get the beauty, the culture, and the lifestyle for a lot less than some other Western European countries.

Spain is a top choice for expats, with its appealing lifestyle drawing about 6 million expats to cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia, Malaga, and Seville. The Digital Nomad Visa is perfect for remote workers, allowing them to live and work in Spain, bring family along, and travel around the Schengen Zone. There are multiple paths to EU residency, and many large international companies are hiring, making Spain an excellent spot for both lifestyle and career opportunities.

 

Find and IT job in Spain →

 

4. Hungary

Hungary is Europe’s underrated star, blending cool history with a fresh, lively vibe. Imagine kicking back in one of Budapest’s ruin pubs, where the past and present collide in the most awesome way, or wandering through Buda Castle’s ancient corridors. But Hungary’s more than just a pretty place; it is famous for its culture, history, nightlife, cuisine, and much more. The thermal baths here are a great way to chill out after exploring the city or to recover from a night on the town. Plus, the countryside is packed with vineyards and festivals that showcase the local way of life.

Let’s look at the numbers that make Hungary so appealing:

• Average city-centre rent: A steal at €420.
• Eating out: A tasty meal for just €9.
• Coffee break: Only €2 for your caffeine hit.

With a cost of living index of 28.2 on a scale that goes to 100, Hungary is the cheapest European country to live in — on our list for sure, and one of the cheapest on the whole continent. You’re not going to find yourself stressing over rent like you might in Berlin, where you’d be forking out around €1,300. Based on just the cost of renting a city-center flat, living in Budapest, one would save approximately 68.2% compared to the rent in Berlin. This means you’ve got more cash to splash on enjoying everything Hungary has to offer, from delicious food to exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites.

With a Western EU salary, you can afford experiences like wine tasting in Eger or relaxing in the Széchenyi Baths — luxuries that might be too expensive elsewhere. Living in Hungary allows you to enjoy life to a high standard while saving money.

 

5. Montenegro

Montenegro is a country that packs a big punch when it comes to natural beauty. Picture yourself waking up to views of the majestic Adriatic Sea or planning weekend hikes in its rugged mountains. It’s not just the scenery that’ll catch your heart; Montenegro’s laid-back lifestyle in its historic towns and seaside villages offers a perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle. Plus, who can resist the charm of the Bay of Kotor or the sandy beaches of Budva?

Living in Montenegro doesn’t ask you to break the bank:

• City-center apartment rent: Just €600.
• Dining out: A tasty meal for about €9
• Morning coffee: Only €2.

The low cost of living in Montenegro is most obvious when you compare it to pricier European destinations. For example, paying rent in a city like Montenegro’s capital, Podgorica (€530), is significantly cheaper than navigating the costs of life in cities such as Paris (€1,400) or Amsterdam (€1,900). While salaries in Montenegro may not top the charts, remote developers can expect a respectable yearly income of around €45,000.

Living in Montenegro is great for remote professionals or those with EU citizenship, as local English-speaking jobs are scarce. It’s a place where life’s cheaper, from housing to dining, allowing you to save or spend on enjoying the outdoors. While English isn’t common, you’ll manage, especially in expat-friendly spots. Montenegro’s perfect if you work remotely and crave adventure without the high costs of more popular expat destinations.

 

Make your move with Relocate.me

Are you worried about the costs but want to make the move? On Relocate.me, you can find a tech job from a company that supports international relocation, including some of the cheapest countries to live in Europe. There are new job opportunities every day in Europe, the US, and the UK, plus many of the countries mentioned above.

 

1. United States 

Software engineers in the US earn a median annual salary of $124,200.

The United States is well known for offering the highest-paying IT salaries in the world. And it’s not just in the Bay Area. Companies in Seattle, New York, Austin, Chicago, and Dallas also offer some of the highest-paying salaries in the world, comparable with the likes of London and Zurich.  Although the US is still the preferred destination for software engineers around the world, there have been some major changes in the market that are worth noting. Most notably, mass layoffs from the tech sector (including FAANG), lower salaries (even for senior developers), and the already-established hustle culture should make software engineers think twice before heading to the US. 

You know the saying… “Americans live to work, Europeans work to live.” Salaries are outstanding in the US, but it comes at a cost. Work-life balance in the US falls behind compared to Europe. In the US, startup workers and even billionaire owners rarely put 9-5 hours like it could happen in Stockholm or Copenhagen. Also, work security in tech seems to be at a weak point with the wave of layoffs. Still, the US economy keeps adding more and more jobs, so being laid off is not a dead end.

 

Work-Life Balance Comparison: USA vs EU →

 

Now, if you think money can compensate for long working hours and dwindling job security, the US is a good destination. Some salaries are even higher than reported here. For example, the Stack Overflow survey of 2023 demonstrated that being a backend developer in the US is one of the best-paying jobs in tech, with salaries above $160,000 per year. But these salaries are only for a tiny percentile of software developers. Some senior developers are reporting lower salaries compared to the post-pandemic boom, with some taking a 3% or 9% cut year-on-year, and that doesn’t account for inflation.

The cities with the best salaries for software engineers are San Francisco and Santa Clara, CA, both part of Silicon Valley. Those salaries can reach $160,000 per year, which is well above New York City, which has an average salary of $146,000. Seattle comes in right after with $136,000. Austin, Chicago, the Dallas–Fort Worth metropolitan region and Houston come right behind, with salaries ranging from $130,000 to $95,000. Silicon Valley pays the best, but there’s a whole world out there (in the US). It’s still one of the best countries for software engineers.

Role	Average Yearly Salary in
Median Software Engineering	$124,200
Backend Dev	$157,602
Frontend Dev	$113,249
Full Stack Dev	$123,809
Java Dev	$92,565
Python Dev	$123,663

 

2. Switzerland 

Software engineers in Switzerland earn around €100,000 a year. 

Where do software engineers make the most money? Switzerland is a sleeper when it comes to opportunities for software engineers. It’s well-regarded for its very high standard of living, for its natural beauty, for being one of the safest countries in the world, and for paying excellent salaries that make up for the very high cost of living (a chicken sandwich in Geneva might cost 80% more than in Dallas). And Geneva is not their most expensive hub — that’s Zurich, dubbed the most expensive city in the world.

But even if it’s world-renowned for all these reasons, it’s not exactly a typical software engineering location. Switzerland lures skilled software engineers with high salaries (easily exceeding €100,000!) while keeping an attractive, and ultimately European, work-life balance. The demand for workers is high, but competition can be gruff, so much that juniors should not consider Switzerland. This country is only for experienced professionals. It’s expensive and immigration is very difficult unless your skills are in demand, and unless you can prove your experience. Only come to Switzerland if you have a strong resume to stand by you. On the upside, many companies prioritise a 40-hour workweek, and over half of IT professionals report achieving a good balance. 

Also, keep in mind, that the high wages come with a high cost of living, so factor that in while evaluating the option. Renting a studio apartment in Zurich’s city centre can cost up to 50% more than renting one in Dallas. But purchasing power in the Swiss city is still around 5% stronger than in Texas, which tells how well-balanced the Swiss cost of living is with their uncommonly high standard of living.

 

Role	Average Yearly Salary in
Average Software Engineering	€100,600
Backend Dev	€110,659
Frontend Dev	€85,135
Full Stack Dev	€105.335
Java Dev	€94,770
Python Dev	€105,390

 

3. Israel 

Software engineers in Israel earn almost €70,000 a year. It’s one of the highest salaries for software engineers in the world.

Israel relies on the tech sector. The high-tech sector contributes 18% to local GDP, making it their largest industry by economic output. Tech comprises half of the country’s exports, which means the sector attracts foreign currency like no other — and this could explain the good salaries. About one in seven of all employees work in the tech sector and in tech jobs in other sectors. This concentration is not so far from Silicon Valley’s (where one in four workers are in tech).

The startup scene in Israel is worth $120 billion, according to reports. Tel Aviv is the seventh-largest startup ecosystem in the world and has the highest number of startups per person in any country, with almost 3,000 in Tel Aviv alone, of which around 30 are already unicorns. The government actively props up the scene with stimulus packages and pro-tech policies. It’s also a cybersecurity hub, big data, an AI hub. Waze, for example, was founded almost 20 years ago near Tel Aviv, and represented one of the first widespread cases of AI and big data for end users.

Since there is so much cash from investors and so much cash brought on by exports, software engineers can expect some of the best salaries in the world. It’s not only startup-driven, though. Israel hosts R&D centres for large tech companies like Amazon, Apple, Cisco, SAP or Meta.

In Israel, work-life balance can be a double-edged sword. The fast-paced, startup-driven business environment often encourages longer hours and dedication. The “hustle culture” is widespread and many engineers, notably from the cybersecurity sector in Tel Aviv, report that burnout is very common.

 

Role	Average Yearly Salary in
Software Engineering	€69,579
Backend Dev	€83,332
Frontend Dev	€40,163
Full Stack Dev	€52,565
Java Dev	€55,040
Python Dev	€61,727

 

4. Australia 

Software engineers in Australia earn around €67,000 a year ($110,000 AUD).

Australia is a very sought-for location because it has plenty of cities with good weather, a high standard of living, and salaries for software engineers that are even above some German wages. Even if investment in tech startups in Australia fell in 2023, there were almost 500 deals, including Employment Hero’s quarter-billion-dollar funding round. This cash influx results in more opportunities for software workers, who can also rely on well-established tech companies such as Canva, Atlassian, or Procreate to seek jobs.

Australia has traditionally welcomed qualified workers from abroad to fill the talent gaps, and software engineers are just as in demand. In fact, more Europeans are moving to Australia for tech work than the other way around. Still, it’s not only Europeans who’re choosing to settle Down Under. According to industry reports, around a third of tech workers speak a language other than English, making it the most culturally diverse sector in the country.

In Australia, and in contrast to the US, tech jobs are also more secure than other occupations. The rate of people who no longer work after eight years was around 5% lower in tech than in other Australian high-paying industries. This makes it one of the best countries for software engineers.

Even though almost half the workers in the Australian tech industry don’t have a university degree, immigrating engineers who request a visa are expected to have one and to pass an English exam and score a certain number of points. You can earn points by many means, but the most important is experience.

Australia has very strict immigration policies, but a company sponsorship could help you settle down there. For example, a software engineer with 2+ years experience can apply for Australia’s Skilled Independent visa (Subclass 189) but may need higher points (3-8+ years experience) for a stronger application. So consider internal company transfer for temporary residency followed by permanent residency as a pathway to staying in Australia.

 However, like many attractive hubs, the cost of living in cities like Melbourne and Sydney is extremely high — even higher than in certain European countries. Despite what Mercer claims, the cost of living in Australia has skyrocketed to 2-3x what it was in 2019, depending on the city.

Role	Average Yearly Salary in
Software Engineering	€67,260
Backend Dev	€72,354
Frontend Dev	€69,173
Full Stack Dev	€72,286
Java Dev	€70,958
Python Dev	€84,296

 

5. Denmark 

Software engineers in Denmark earn around €66,000 per year.

Denmark’s recent hits have been in pharma or the movies, but the tech industry in Denmark also enjoys steady growth, with opportunities in major cities like Copenhagen and Aarhus taking advantage of recent graduates. Sources estimate that Danish software companies will drive an excess revenue of almost $4 billion in 2024. 

There are plenty of sectors in the tech industry that software engineers can consider. Tech giants like IBM, Microsoft, and SAP have set up innovation and development hubs in Denmark. Some tech “newcomers,” like Zendesk or Trustpilot, are some successful Danish tech companies that specialise in business solution development. In fact, around 7% of the tech investment deals that end up being unicorns come from Nordic countries.

When seeking employment, software engineers can look into other Danish tech sectors that are not exactly IT. Cleantech is also a growing tech sector in Denmark. Environment-related technologies accounted for a quarter of Danish patents in 2018. It’s also the highest share in the OECD. The Danes are known for inventing tech stuff, as they came up with C++ and C#

Software engineers are in demand in Denmark, and the government is making it easier for international talent to get work permits (they’ve approved lower salary requirements for foreigners applying for work) and even own businesses (Startup Denmark program) to get a residency permit.

While salaries may not reach the heights of some other countries, they remain competitive and are coupled with generous benefits, including ample paid holidays and a standard 37-hour work week. Denmark has one of the world’s best work-life balances, with only 1% of workers putting long hours and a standard 25 vacation days.

However, consider that the cost of living in Denmark is high. If you land a job in Copenhagen, you could even consider living in the quiet university town of Lund, Sweden, and crossing the Øresund strait for work a couple of times a week.

Role	Average Yearly Salary in
Software Engineering	€66,603
Backend Dev	€69,802
Frontend Dev	€53,231
Full Stack Dev	€60,902
Java Dev	€61,706
Python Dev	€74,987

 

6. Canada 

In Canada, software engineers earn around $69,000 USD annually. That’s approximately €64,000.

The Canadian government actively supports the tech sector through grants or tax incentives. The Deputy Prime Minister recently announced a $20 billion fund to help develop net-zero and clean tech. Also, many provinces have their own programs. Besides clean tech, the country’s focus on AI, healthcare tech, and cybersecurity means you’ll have plenty of paths to find your niche. 

Canada has advantages like few other countries, both for software engineers and for any worker. Some cities are cheaper than their counterparts across the US border. According to Numbeo, Toronto prices are estimated to be around 5% cheaper than Chicago (still, keep in mind that Chicago has greater purchasing power). And Vancouver continually gets picked as North America’s “most liveable” city, a fashionable way to say it’s among the best cities in the world.

Canadians know it’s important to keep a healthy work-life balance and continually push official efforts to help with it, like prescribing free visits to their stunning national parks. They have generous parental leave and well-established safety nets. And for being such a developed (and still underpopulated) nation, Canada has a remarkably simple immigration path, way easier than getting a green card in the US. In addition, Canadians use the metric system.

But, it’s not all idyllic and syrupy up there in the North. Graduates from universities like McGill, sometimes called the “Harvard of Canada,” get more attention than expats, according to testimonials. If the role you’re trying to get into is a senior role, most tech companies will prefer candidates who speak English as their first language, or French if you’re in Québec. This is standard, and the same will happen to you in Bavaria but with German, but you should still consider it. 

Still, techie Indians seem to be doing well in Canada, which hosts the largest Sikh population outside India. So software engineers from India, the Philippines, or China all have opportunities to work and take a piece of the pie, provided they have the right seniority and can get jobs with companies that help them relocate.

 

Role	Average Yearly Salary in (US dollars)
Software Engineering	$69,128
Backend Dev	$69,515
Frontend Dev	$62,818
Full Stack Dev	$66,709
Java Dev	$56.45
Python Dev	$91,509

 

Expat Advice: Moving from India to Canada with an IT Role →

 

7. United Kingdom 

Software engineers in the United Kingdom earn an average of around €58,000 per year.

With London still standing as the world’s financial capital, meaning that there’s plenty of lending and investing going on, the UK software market is predictably huge. In 2024, London is still Europe’s #1 tech hub. But when it comes to tech, other big cities such as Manchester are still attracting companies, start-ups, talent, and investors. In fact, the North is great for software engineers. Big tech companies like Google, Booking.com or Amazon are in Manchester, along with over 10,000 other tech businesses. Startups recently just raised £532 million in funding. Leeds, Oxford and Cambridge are also medtech hubs.

One overlooked (not by investors, though) sector in London for software engineers is cleantech. London climate tech startups took in $3.5B in 2023, up from $2.2B in 2022, and London clinched the second place for climate tech investment globally in 2023.

In England, salaries are generally above their mainland Europe rivals. Particularly in London, a senior software manager (a position which requires around 10 years of experience) can make £102,000 per year, while the same position in Berlin can earn €81,500. For your reference, that £102,000 is more than 10k a month in US dollars. When you rank a software developer salary by country, England always gets a notable mention.

Role	Average Yearly Salary in
Software Engineering	€57,885
Backend Dev	€71,034
Frontend Dev	€63,303
Full Stack Dev	€65,585
Java Dev	€62,208
Python Dev	€85,878

 

Moving to London for a Tech Job: Mahdi’s Relocation Story →

 

8. Germany 

A software engineer’s salary in Germany is €56,800 a year. More senior roles like software architect earn average salaries of €81,500.

Germany’s tech scene has both the heavyweights — like SAP — and the nimble movers and shakers — like N26 — ready to hire IT expats. Expect fair salaries, healthy work-life balance and software development opportunities in cities like Berlin (more international and expat oriented) or Munich (more traditional).

Germany normally delivers job security and opportunities for skilled developers, but their economy has shrunk a bit, so don’t be surprised if you notice job offers suddenly drop. Still, Germany (and Berlin especially) is the top destination in Europe for expats. The German capital has a considerable expat community, and it’s the city where’s the most likely to find an English-speaking role. Plenty of companies that are expanding internationally are doing it from their HQ in Berlin. Or it can be the other way around — companies that are expanding internationally want to set foot in Germany, and that could be the way in for software engineers. 

The pace might feel slower than working in the UK, for example, and language barriers can be an issue, but if stability, well-being, and quality of life are priorities, Germany can be an excellent fit for you.

 

Role	Average Yearly Salary in
Software Engineering	€56,787
Backend Dev	€60,100
Frontend Dev	€49,380
Full Stack Dev	€51,074
Java Dev	€50,635
Python Dev	€55,235

 

9. Norway 

In Norway, software engineers earn an average salary of roughly €53,000 a year.

It’s not that far behind Denmark. It’s actually an excellent salary, considering the small market — totally acceptable for a country with less than six million citizens. The job market is great for senior devs, especially if you speak Norwegian. If you don’t speak it, especially in Oslo, you’ll have plenty of options that don’t require Norwegian, but you can’t get picky. Brush up your skills or consider building a portfolio (open-source projects, conferences) if you’re starting out. 

Software engineers can expect opportunities in green technology. Norway and its Nordic neighbours are recognised as world leaders in the use of renewable energy, cleantech, and sustainable resource handling.  Norway has agreed to reduce emissions, and the government considers carbon capture and storage (CCS) a high priority.  The Climate Investment Fund set up by Norway in 2022 has already committed around $200 million to projects that will avoid annual emissions of 6.2 million tons of CO2.

Work-life balance in Norway depends on the work arrangement because some jobs work as contracts and earn exceptional wages while others are more stable, more secure and more lax but for lower pay. Some companies have strict deadlines, others are flexible. You can find a good fit as you gain experience (seniors have more options).

Norwegians are welcoming and accept foreigners, but friendships take time. Learning the language will help you socialise in the long run and will give you more work options. Norwegians are friendly and educated, enjoy a great standard of living (and have learnt to be happy when it rains), and will be happy to welcome you in. Expect to be awe-struck by their infrastructure and fjords.

The best path to get a job in Norway, especially if you’re not a senior, is to have a company sponsor you and help you relocate. This is the result of a mixed bag of policies that make it hard for non-EU citizens to land a job, not an outright strategic decision. It’s a small market with a low number of jobs, and regulations that started adding up closed out the market for many. Still, with the help of a company, software engineers can work in Norway,  still one of the best countries for software engineers.

Role	Average Yearly Salary in
Software Engineering	€53,042
Backend Dev	€64,500
Frontend Dev	€49,724
Full Stack Dev	€52,712
Java Dev	€52,654
Python Dev	€63,156

 

10. Sweden 

In Sweden, software engineers earn a net salary of almost €44,000 a year. Other sources report salaries are as good as in the United States, but that’s probably a top salary for a video game company executive. Spotify offers developer product manager salaries of  €76,600 at their Stockholm offices, so there’s also that in-between lane. 

In Sweden, you can make a career in fields such as sustainability or gaming. With a surprisingly high $14 billion raised through IPOs in Stockholm in 2021, the second highest in Europe after London, more than a hundred Swedish companies have access to a large pool of capital to invest in growth, which often includes hiring skilled IT professionals. Software engineers in Sweden don’t have to limit themselves to the tech sector.

Stockholm School of Economics (SSE) is becoming a hot spot for student founders in Sweden — who in turn bring on software engineering jobs. One of their alumni is Klarna, which was initially rejected by investors but has since raised a massive $4.5 billion. Another example is Voi, a micromobility startup founded by an SSE grad. Thanks to an SSE pitch competition, Voi got early investment from a billionaire businesswoman and has now raised $500 million. Remember that education for EU citizens in Sweden is free, so if you intend to go down the founder pipeline as a software engineer, you got a clear opportunity in Stockholm.

The Swedes love their work-life balance, with ample leave — the parental leave in Sweden is unmatched — and flexible arrangements from the get-go. In addition, their command of English is impeccable and could make you wonder if you’re actually in Minnesota or Wisconsin. Still, testimonials tell us that Swedish could open more doors. Still, remember the high cost of living, especially in Stockholm, and consider that expats have trouble finding housing.

Role	Average Yearly Salary in
Software Engineering	€43,877
Backend Dev	€47,333
Frontend Dev	€37,125
Full Stack Dev	€42,810
Java Dev	€35,664
Python Dev	€41,076

 

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Visit our job board and get a job with a top-dollar salary from your home country. Only then relocate. The companies on the platform need top talent from abroad, and they will help you cash in the highest salary for software engineer in the world.